Master of the Macabre

September 1, 2014 8:16 AM

A self-taught special effects guru, A.S. Hamilton has crafted [simulated injuries] with chilling perfection. But his greatest big-screen challenge was bringing one of human history’s most gruesome chapters back to life.

CONTENT WARNING: descriptions of violence, graphic movie set photos and stills

In an article from Narratively, Maria Smilios writes on the special effects work for the Roger Spottiswoode film Shake Hands with the Devil and the man who insisted on creating "an honest and accurate portrayal" of the horrors of the Rwandan Genocide.

posted by tykky (3 comments total)

I got half way through, but I can't go on.

I don't think I'd be much good in a real massacre.
posted by Joe in Australia at 5:53 PM on September 1, 2014

Thank you for the post. I can't watch the movie or read the accounts because it's overwhelming, and this was hard but very interesting to read.
posted by viggorlijah at 11:25 PM on September 1, 2014

I am very encouraged that he set out to make an "honest and accurate portrayal" of these horrific events - I respect that it's not all spatter and gore to him, but a sort of witnessing, a voice for these people. Kudos to him.

On that note - no way, no how I am going to be able to see that movie. Nope, nope, nope.
posted by the_royal_we at 3:28 PM on September 4, 2014